Each of the boys as well as Doctor Joe was provided with a sheath knife carried on the belt.

The sheath knife serves the professional hunter as a cooking knife, as well as for eating and general purposes.
For camping use there was a cotton wedge tent, a small sheet-iron tent stove, three camp axes, some candles and matches, a file for sharpening the axes and a sleeping-bag for each.

Men in that land do not travel without arms, and it was decided that David should take a carbine and Andy and Doctor Joe each a double-barrel shotgun, for there might be an opportunity to shoot a fat goose or duck.
Thomas's big boat had two light masts rigged with leg-o'-mutton sails.
Just forward of the foremast David and Andy placed some flat stones, and covering them with two or three inches of gravel set the tent stove upon the gravel.

Here they could cook their meals at midday, and the gravel would protect the bottom of the boat from heat.

A sufficient quantity of fire-wood was taken aboard, and the provisions and other equipment stowed under a short deck forward where the things would be protected from storm and all would be in readiness for an early start in the morning..